Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area is anticipated to form over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around Tuesday, May 27th, promising significant rainfall across Odisha and potentially ushering in an early monsoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, with southern Odisha expected to bear the brunt of the system.
The IMD’s Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Director, Manorama Mohanty, confirmed that the low-pressure system is under close observation and is expected to trigger widespread rainfall from Tuesday onwards. While the exact path and intensity are still being monitored, the system is likely to intensify in the subsequent two days after its formation.
Heavy Rainfall Warnings Issued:
A yellow warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for 16 districts, including Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Baleswar, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. Southern districts like Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Koraput are particularly vulnerable to intense rain and thunderstorms.
Impact on Weather and Monsoon:
This low-pressure system, combined with existing pre-monsoon showers and the early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, is expected to enhance rainfall activity across Odisha. The monsoon is already making favorable advancements in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, and this system could facilitate its earlier-than-usual arrival in Odisha, potentially before the typical June 10-12 window.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the deep sea from Wednesday and along and off the Odisha coast from Thursday, as squally weather with wind speeds exceeding 45 kmph is likely to prevail. Sea conditions are also expected to remain moderate to rough.
While the low-pressure system is expected to bring much-needed relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially in districts prone to heavy rainfall. Continuous monitoring of weather updates from the IMD is highly recommended.